We are born into a sin milieu as well as into a sin nature.
Until we're born again we are pretty much completely about the business of sin,
even in the good we attempt.

However, in retrospect, it seems that God did honor my good
intentions even if they were pathetic and futile. Intention may be a forerunner
of spirit. I think this because of all the times my life was spared in my folly
and how often I was spared from harming others.

One saying that stuck with me early was "spirit is greater
than letter".

This comes up at work sites all the time in working with
rules. Work is always like this big obstacle course where every day I'm
confronted with situations where I can just follow the rules or confront the
rules where they seem to diverge from loving God and neighbor. Also, when
someone is in a wrong spirit it does affect the
atmosphere of the work site.

The works of faith seem more to be done through us rather than
us doing them. Although we participate in them.

In a general way I think a Christian should be able to do that
little exercise head, shoulders, knees and toes, except reach beyond head as
well. If some one purposes in their heart to be quick to serve, they will need
the motions of service available.

When I see Islamic men bowing to Mecca I think, "They must
have the healthiest backs in the world." Here I'd like to ask those who attend
churches as to whether the memberships are pretty much capable of a full range
of motion and able to get down on the floor and up. If not, this opens the door
to a study about the motions of service and the connection with diet and
exercise.